Premature campaigning is more than just a political habit — it disrupts governance. While it’s important for politicians to engage with the electorate, starting campaigns too early takes attention away from critical issues. Instead of tackling pressing national challenges — unemployment, healthcare, infrastructure — leaders are absorbed in positioning for the next election. Isn’t it ironic that the real issues facing Kenyans are being ignored as politicians engage in an early scramble for votes?

What’s even more troubling is how early campaigning fuels ethnic and regional divisions. Political leaders, across the political spectrum, are employing identity politics to rally support, but in doing so, they deepen the rifts that already exist within the country. Do they not realise the long-term damage they’re doing? By focusing on who will win the next election, these leaders are neglecting the national unity that is essential for development and peace. Can we truly move forward as a nation if we are divided by politics at every turn?

This premature politicking has a direct economic cost as well. Political rallies, media campaigns, and other pre-election activities consume substantial financial resources — funds that could otherwise address the country’s urgent social and economic needs. How can we afford to squander millions on campaigns when basic services like healthcare, education, and food security remain underfunded?

For ordinary citizens, the constant barrage of political messages and promises is exhausting. The endless rallies, speeches, and media ads only serve to tire the electorate, leaving them disengaged and disillusioned long before the official campaign season begins. Shouldn’t our leaders be focused on governance, not wearing us out with endless political theatre?

A glaring example of early campaigning is President William Ruto’s nationwide tours. While these are framed as government initiatives, they often resemble campaign rallies, with speeches and promises aimed at solidifying support for the 2027 election. Rigathi Gachagua, the former Deputy President, has similarly made moves that seem designed to gain political traction, even as he critiques the government. Isn’t this more about politics than about solving Kenya’s problems?

Even leaders like Moses Wetangula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, and Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary, are becoming more visible in the political arena, raising questions about their role as neutral public figures. Shouldn’t they be focusing on their roles in government, rather than on campaigning for future elections?

In countries like the UK, South Africa, and France, the law curtails premature campaigning to prioritise governance. In these nations, campaign periods are well-defined, ensuring that leaders focus on serving the public until the official campaign season begins. Can Kenya adopt a similar approach to maintain focus on governance?

It is up to us, the citizens, to demand better. We must hold our leaders accountable and insist that they prioritise the country’s current needs over future elections. Only then will Kenya’s government be able to focus on development, and the 2027 election will truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people. Are we prepared to push for change, or will we continue to be distracted by early electioneering?

In Kenya today, the political atmosphere feels as though the country is gearing up for an election next month, even though the 2027 general election is nearly 30 months away. How did we arrive at this point, where political campaigns dominate the airwaves instead of governance? Political rallies and speeches are taking centre stage as if the results of the 2022 elections are still in dispute. Key figures are already positioning themselves for the next election, but where is the focus on serving the people right now?

—The writer is a history lecturer and UASU chapter Trustee at Alupe University-Kenya; [email protected]